$750K deficit leads Inkster to oust city manager

Mar. 8, 2013

Written by

Free Press Staff Writer

Inkster officials plan to launch a search for a new city manager after terminating Ron Wolkowicz from the position Thursday at a special City Council meeting.

Councilmen Marcus Hendricks and Michael Canty, who both sided with the majority in the 4-1 vote, cited the city’s finances as a top concern. Hendricks said the city is expected to end the current fiscal year with a deficit in the ballpark of $750,000. The city’s annual budget is about $13 million, Canty said.

“I thought that the city manager performed his job well,” Canty said. “However, because of the financial situation we are in right now, we need someone with a greater expertise in accounting, finance, budgeting and auditing.”

Canty said Wolkowicz is still the director of the city’s Parks and Recreation and Public Services departments. Officials are looking to appointment someone who currently works for the city to fill the manager position on an interim basis.

Wolkowicz did not immediately return messages left seeking comment.

Canty said Wolkowicz became the city’s manager about a year ago. He previously served in that position on an interim basis, he said.